83-Year-Old Grandfather on the Run After Raping Granddaughter

AN 83-year-old man from Shurugwi, Midlands province, is allegedly on the run after raping his 17-year-old granddaughter, a mental patient, on several occasions. The victim has since given birth to twins whose DNA samples confirmed they were sired by the accused person. The man, whose identity is being withheld to protect the victim, hails from Mavhumashava plots, Zhaugwe in Shurugwi. Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Midlands provincial spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko has confirmed the matter. “The abuse started in April 2024, when the grandmother attended a funeral in Gweru and the girl remained home with the grandfather. “It is alleged that the grandfather took advantage and raped her on several occasions and threatened to assault her if she disclosed the issue to anyone,” Mahoko said. The abuse was only exposed in October 2024 when the victim’s aunt suspected her to be pregnant and took her to a clinic where she tested positive to pregnancy. “On December 17, 2024 she gave birth to twin babies whose samples were sent for DNA tests, as part of investigations, and results confirmed that the grandfather was the father.” Following his arrest, accused person appeared at Gweru Regional Court on December 18, 2025, and was granted bail, but defaulted at his next scheduled appearance and has since been issued with an arrest warrant. “He then disappeared and his whereabouts are currently not known,” Mahoko said. The police spokesperson appealed to members of the public who might have information on the whereabouts of the man to report at any police station.